Introducing The Urwerk UR-110 Eastwood (Live Pictures & Pricing Info…)
The EMC Black took home the plaudits last year, when Urwerk’s futuristic model – which combines Artificial Intelligence with a mechanical heart – won two awards at the 2014 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). But for many, it is the UR-110 which placed the independent brand on the map, when it won Best Design at the same event in 2011.
Unfortunately, the brand is calling time on the UR-110 family, as we understand the attention – and resources – will shift towards a completely different project to be unveiled shortly. But first, Urwerk founders Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei have decided to write a final chapter in the UR-110 story with the UR-110 Eastwood.
In a surprise ending – spoilers ahead – the latest model features a wooden bezel in Macassar ebony. The new design – called the “Eastwood” because the material comes from Indonesia – marks a strong departure from the avant-garde genre heralded by Urwerk. Instead, Urwerk is carving out a new niche, via another craftsman and one of London’s finest tailors: Timothy Everest.
A friend and collector of Urwerk, who could be seen sporting a UR-103 at SalonQP 2014, when the collaboration was first announced, Mr. Everest recently told The Arbuturian about the collaboration. “Felix and Martin thought it would be nice to pair it with an organic strap, and came to us for help. I decided it had to be the finest wool tweed – it’s extremely durable, and has that sporty and very British heritage – so we’ve done it in the original Prince of Wales brown and blue check, as worn by the Duke of Windsor, and a lovely grey herringbone.”
Most of the features that made the UR-110 a best-seller are back: The case remains in black coated Grade 5 titanium and once again measures 47 mm x 16 mm; while the UR-9.01 calibre movement makes one final bow. As ever, the time is shown on the right side of the dial in order display the most important information even when part of the watch is hidden under the suit.
The indications on the timepiece feature a revolving satellite complication with wandering hour modules mounted on planetary gears. The three hour indications follow a sector of the dial marked with the minutes and take turns indicating the time as they rotate around the dial.
The watch comes in two different tones, each with its own bespoke Timothy Everest strap, so that you may write your own ending to the UR-110. With it, Uwerk and Timothy Everest sign a stylish departure from one of the brand’s most iconic designs. According to Urwerk, each version is limited to 10 models. The price of the watch hasn’t been announced yet, although it is expected to cost more than $100,000.
Photo Credit: Haute Time. For more information, please visit the official Urwerk website.
